FirstEnergy · 5 months ago
Director Operations - PA Substation Services
FirstEnergy is a leading electric utility committed to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. The Director of Operations for Pennsylvania Substation Services will provide executive leadership for electric utility operations, ensuring the safe and cost-effective delivery of electricity while leading a multi-functional unit responsible for substations and related facilities.
Clean EnergyEnergyEnergy EfficiencyInformation Services
Responsibilities
Provide executive leadership for Pennsylvania’s 24/7/365 electric utility operations
Direct a multi-functional unit comprised of Substations, Relay and Controls and Underground Ducted Network facilities
Lead the Planning, Scheduling and Support of Substation operations in Pennsylvania and Ohio
Ensure efficient and effective system operations by partnering with FE Pennsylvania Operations, T&D Engineering teams, Power Delivery, Construction and Design Services and other support departments
Ensure the safe delivery and reliability of electricity in compliance with regulatory requirements
Foster a high-performing safety culture where employees own, promote and reinforce safe behaviors and feel empowered to speak up
Monitor, mentor and coach staff to further the cultural attributes identified in our core values and behaviors
Closely collaborate with peers across the state to ensure consistent application of values, behaviors, strategy, and direction
Establish and develop substantive working relationships with peers, staff and union leadership, and create an environment and implement changes where needed to enhance FirstEnergy’s culture of safety, compliance, inclusion, accountability, and innovation
Initiate and monitor implementation of appropriate safety and environmental safeguards in accordance with applicable regulations and professional practice
Plan, organize, develop and monitor the performance of assigned managers, supervisors and staff, establish performance requirements and personal development targets
Engage with employees and union leadership to create a culture of inclusion and teamwork
Ensure appropriate staffing levels and provide cross training to ensure uninterrupted services
Develop, implement and monitor work plans to achieve organizational mission, goals and performance measures
Direct and prepare operational and multi-year capital improvement program budgets, establish budgetary control measures, allocate resources and personnel and monitor diverse work programs for compliance with budget guidelines
Continuously review, implement and modify internal policies, procedures and processes to improve efficiency, accuracy and standardization of internal operations, analyses and reports
Operate electric systems in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, to include environmental and State reliability standards
Operate, control and maintain substation, relay and control and network systems and assets
Qualification
Required
At least ten (10) plus years of progressively responsible experience in the electric utility industry, to include at least five (5) years of management experience in any one or combination of the following areas: utility operations, construction and design services; transmission and distribution support with an emphasis on substation experience
An undergraduate degree is required. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 12 years of related experience is required. PE and/or MBA is preferred
Accomplished and approachable leader, with a demonstrated track record of ethical behavior, safe operations excellence and inclusive people leadership
Demonstrated technical and financial acumen and ability to inspire and lead a large team through industry shifts in operational requirements
Strategic vision and continuous improvement mindset
Skilled in labor / management relations including building relationships, administering collective bargaining agreements and working through grievance resolution
Administrative principles and methods, including strategic goal setting, organizational analysis, program development and implementation
Federal, state and local laws, regulations affecting the utility industry such as environmental compliance and reliability
Operational and capital expense management
Electric utility design, engineering, system planning and operations and maintenance practices
Engineering and construction best practices
Reliability performance monitoring
Contracting management practices, performance standards and contract modification
Related electric industry organizations, policy-setting boards and committees
General understanding of rate making and tariffs
Directing, planning, and coordinating work
Lead by example, facilitate and lead teams through change, promotes the values of trust and integrity
Analyze difficult and complex issues and strategies, reach sound and logical fact-based conclusions and recommendations
Understand, interpret, explain and apply local, state and federal policy, law, regulation and court decisions as they relate to operations
Lead, facilitate and/or participate in the strategic planning, organization design, implementation and monitoring of comprehensive programs
Evaluate departmental practices and make sound recommendations for improvements; develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls
Exercise sound expert independent judgment and political acumen within general policy guidelines
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, union leadership, elected officials, business and community leaders, media representatives and the public
Read and interpret technically complex documents, drawings and engineering specifications
Communicate and respond to inquiries or complaints from employees, customers, regulatory agencies or members of the community
Preferred
PE and/or MBA is preferred
Prior experience leading a unionized employee population preferred
Benefits
Competitive pay plus incentive compensation
A company-sponsored pension plan
401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
A choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
Skills development training with tuition reimbursement
Company
FirstEnergy
We are a forward-thinking electric utility centered on integrity, powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.55BKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2024-11-14Grant· $50M
2023-05-01Post Ipo Debt· $1B
2018-01-22Post Ipo Equity· $2.5B
Leadership Team
Charles E. Jones
President and Chief Executive Officer Member
John Somerhalder
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
2026-01-09
2025-12-19
2025-12-17
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